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More choice for Church weddings

Couples in England now have greater choice over where to get married as new Anglican Church rules have come into force. The new law makes it easier for brides and grooms to have their wedding service in a church where they have a family or special connection. Previously, couples could get married in a church only if they attended it regularly or lived within the parish.

The change in the law comes as the Church of England competes against the popularity of civil weddings in secular locations such as stately homes. It says as a result it will now be able to offer the "widest wedding welcome" in its history.

Meanwhile the Shadow Families Minister has announced at their party conference Conservative plans to offer counselling to couples about to get married.

Do you think relaxing the rules in this way is a good thing? Does it represent as some claim, at a time of dwindling attendance, a way of reconnecting people with the church? Will it lead to "wedding tourism" with the prettiest churches inundated with requests?

Should the change go further so people can marry in any CofE church of their choice irrespective of having any connection with it? Should marriage in church require some commitment to the church given the civil options now open to people? And what do you think of the Conservatives idea that all couples preparing for marriage should get relationship counselling?

Comments:

Captain Colin Bradshaw from The Salvation Army in Acklam

The Church of England鈥檚 previous stance on who can marry in their churches was never based upon any biblical principle, and I feel that their change of tact on this matter is purely for financial reasons with some churches probably facing a substantial loss of income if they where to loose their market share in marriage services.

Some denominations such as The Salvation Army have always placed the importance of听a marriage preparation course at the fore front of any couples preparation for marriage, whether they are Christians or not, because the wedding is only the first step in a couples journey together.